Horticulture and Design at Independence National Historical Park

Philadelphia - We all know that Independence National Historical Park is home to two of our nation's greatest historical icons, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. But did you know it's also home to some of the most historic landscapes in Philadelphia? The Friends of Independence National Historical Park are teaming up with select gardens and historic sites in the Philadelphia region to bring members a special program, "Passport to Philadelphia's Garden History."

Members of participating organizations (listed below) are invited to join us on Saturday, September 10, at 10 a.m. for a special tour of Horticulture and Design at Independence National Historical Park. This walk will focus on the little known history of the horticulture, design, and development of these public spaces, while introducing you to the whole landscape of the Park and the smaller hidden gardens within. Not a member yet? Call 215-861-4971 or visit www.friendsofindependence.org to join!

Starting from Independence Square, one of the earliest designed public landscapes in America, the tour will pass through some of the park's most historical sites: Washington Square, one of the original Philadelphia public squares established by William Penn and the first designated public parks in America; the Magnolia Garden; the Rose Garden; and the Eighteenth Century Garden. Learn about the overall landscape design of the Park, which began in the 1950's after the establishment of Independence National Historical Park in 1948.

The program at Independence NHP is one of eight programs that include tours of historic sites such as Wyck, the Woodlands, and Powell House. For information on all the programs, visit www.friendsofindependence.org. For the Independence National Historical Park program, please RSVP at 215-861-4971 or email attn@friendsofindependence.org. Participants will meet at the Commodore Barry Statue on Independence Square (between 5th and 6th Streets and Walnut and Chestnut Streets) in Philadelphia, PA 19106. Please note that the statue is outside the secure visitor use zone and does not require passing through the security screening.

Tours are open to members of the The John Bartram Association, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, The Friends of Independence National Historical Park, The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks, Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, The 1696 Thomas Massey House, The Woodlands Mansion and Cemetery, and Wyck Historic House and Garden.

About Independence National Historical Park:

A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park covers almost 55 acres in Philadelphia's Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States.

The park is open from 9:00 am daily with the exception of Christmas day. A visit to Independence National Historical Park should start at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets. Here, visitors can pick up a park brochure, park map, and the free, timed tickets required for Independence Hall. For more information visit the park's website, http://www.nps.gov/inde or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/independencenhp or on Facebook www.facebook.com/independencenhp.